Day of KODA Camp and Casino Night Fundraiser

Testimonials

The feedback we receive from our parents and campers is very important to us. It helps us improve our program and continue to meet and exceed the high standards of our camp families. Listed below are some responses and comments taken directly from post-summer program evaluation forms over the years.

Results from our 2023 Parent Survey:

What do you appreciate most about KODA Camp Midwest?
1. CODA Role models
2. Experience KODA Culture
3. Quality of Staff
4. Life long friends
5. Inclusive, accepting environment

What positive increases have you noticed in your camper(s)?
1. Increased confidence
2. Sense of belonging
3. More signing at home
4. Closer relationships with parents
5. Friendship-making skills

Google reviews

Share your review with us on Google Reviews! We love it when parents comment on KODA Camp.

Alumni

“It seems cliche or much of an exaggeration to say that KODA Camp changed my life- but it truly did. The bonds made there and the lessons I learned about not only myself but about being a KODA has shaped me into the person I am today. The CODA I am today. It laid the foundations for me to connect with myself and my communities and I truly will never forget the memories I made at camp 💜🤟🏼” - Karissa Caddy, 9 years at KODA Camp

“KODA Camp is so important to me because of the connections I made as a camper and the personal growth I made just from being in an environment with peers who all have a shared identity. Camp wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful counselors that come through year by year, and what keeps me working here is being able to see campers grow each year they come back. My goal is to share the knowledge, experience, and love that I gained as a CODA, and use that to invest in the younger generation of KODAs and the future of camp.” - Walker Casler, 9 years at KODA Camp

"One of my favorite memories was when we did KODA talks, it was the first time I felt understood and normal, and I finally had a safe space <3” - Brynna Hardiman, 7 years at KODA Camp

Parents

"He seems more accepting to be a KODA, and our relationship has grown closer. I am a DeafBlind parent, and he seems to be more inclusive now."

"Thank you for making space for our children to have a place where they develop a sense of belonging. They are ALWAYS stronger each year they come back home from camp. It's a warm feeling knowing they have a place to share their experiences and frustrations."

"She's more excited to be involved in the Deaf community and share her love for ASL with sisters and friends!"

Current Campers

"I am the only KODA near where I live (I think) so coming to camp helped me meet other KODAs, and I'm very happy I came! :-)"

"I feel normal. There’s more than one kind of normal."

"Being able to share my experience and see that it's something that is understood on a deeper level made me feel more comfortable and proud to be a KODA."